Daily Catholic Mass Readings for October 22, 2019
First Reading: Romans 5.12-21
12Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:13For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law.14Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.15But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.16And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification.17For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)18Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.19For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.20Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:21That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.
Psalm 40
1I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.2He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.3And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.4Blessed is that man that maketh the LORD his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.5Many, O LORD my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.6Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire; mine ears hast thou opened: burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required.7Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me,8I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.9I have preached righteousness in the great congregation: lo, I have not refrained my lips, O LORD, thou knowest.10I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart; I have declared thy faithfulness and thy salvation: I have not concealed thy lovingkindness and thy truth from the great congregation.11Withhold not thou thy tender mercies from me, O LORD: let thy lovingkindness and thy truth continually preserve me.12For innumerable evils have compassed me about: mine iniquities have taken hold upon me, so that I am not able to look up; they are more than the hairs of mine head: therefore my heart faileth me.13Be pleased, O LORD, to deliver me: O LORD, make haste to help me.14Let them be ashamed and confounded together that seek after my soul to destroy it; let them be driven backward and put to shame that wish me evil.15Let them be desolate for a reward of their shame that say unto me, Aha, aha.16Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: let such as love thy salvation say continually, The LORD be magnified.17But I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinketh upon me: thou art my help and my deliverer; make no tarrying, O my God.
Gospel: Luke 12.35-38
35Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning;36And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately.37Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them.38And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the profound interplay between sin, grace, and our relationship with God. In the first reading from Romans, St. Paul contrasts the legacy of Adam, through whom sin and death entered the world, with the gift of Christ, who brings justification and life. This passage reminds us that while sin has its consequences, God’s grace is far more abundant and transformative. The second reading from Luke’s Gospel calls us to vigilance and readiness, urging us to live as servants who are prepared to welcome the Lord at any moment. Together, these readings challenge us to embrace the gift of grace while living with purpose and watchfulness.
The context of today’s readings is deeply rooted in the theological themes of sin, redemption, and discipleship. In Romans, Paul is addressing the early Christian community, explaining how Christ’s obedience undoes the harm caused by Adam’s disobedience. This passage emphasizes the universal nature of sin and the even greater universality of God’s grace. In Luke’s Gospel, Jesus teaches his disciples about the importance of being prepared for his return, using the metaphor of servants waiting for their master. This parable emphasizes the need for faithfulness and attentiveness in our daily lives.
These readings are connected by their focus on the transformative power of God’s grace and the call to live with intentionality. While Romans highlights the contrast between sin and grace, Luke’s Gospel challenges us to live in a way that reflects our gratitude for that grace. The moral lesson here is clear: we are called to trust in God’s mercy while striving to live as faithful stewards of the gifts we have received. By staying vigilant and rooted in grace, we can face life’s challenges with hope and confidence.
As we apply these readings to our daily lives, let us remember that God’s grace is always available to us, even in our struggles and shortcomings. Let us also embrace the call to live with purpose, knowing that our actions have consequences and that we are called to be ready to meet the Lord at any moment. May we trust in the abundance of God’s grace and strive to live as faithful servants, prepared to welcome him into our lives.